###

Well, that was unexpected. Albus Dumbledore looked with surprise, if his suspicions were right (and they usually were), a fox demon.

Demons were very rare, and rather reclusive. Many wizards and witches thought they were extinct. Dumbledore, old as he was, had encountered only two before in his life. Both had left rather powerful impressions upon him.

Kagome was crying, and holding on tightly to the demon, presumably named Shippo. He held her very gently, almost as if he was afraid she would disappear. It was clear that he meant her no harm.

Friends? Or, perhaps more than that?

His eyes twinkled brightly. It had been a long time since he had seen people so happy, especially in the dark times that had just descended upon them.

"Perhaps we should give them some space?" Albus suggested to Kagome's bewildered mother.

"Ah, yes, of course." Kagome's mother nodded. The two walked backed into the house, leaving the girl and the demon to their surprise reunion.

#####

The red fox demon, after a couple minutes, finally started to recover from the shock of finding Kagome. He let her go slowly.

"Shippo! You're alright! You survived! I'm so sorry for leaving you guys! I didn't want to - the jewel just took me away…" Kagome said. Her mind spun with all the questions she wanted to ask.

"It's okay, we're here now, and we have all the time in the world to discuss the past," Shippo said soothingly. "Now's probably not the time though, since it's quite a long story. I'm not going anywhere."

"Promise?"

"On all the Pocky I own!" Kagome broke into a smile. It really was Shippo! Even though he had grown so much, he was still the little kid she knew.

It was mind-boggling to try and connect the cute, mischievous little kit with this tall, lanky foreign young man. He looked liked perhaps 19 or 20, but at the same time, he was very much a young man and not a teenager. She looked up at the same deep green eyes…

"You're so tall now!" she blurted out. The petite Asian girl only came up to his shoulder now.

"Well, you know, I did grow a little bit over the last couple of centuries," he smiled wryly, "Come on, let's not keep the most powerful wizard in the world waiting."

He's was right, she decided, pushing the rush of questions to the back of her mind as she wiped her tears away (although she made a mental note of the "most powerful wizard" comment).

Shippo was here now, healthy and grown up, and that's all that mattered. The centuries she wanted to know about would take a long time to explain. She looked to apologize to the Headmaster for her outburst of tears; he was probably really confused…

"Oh!" Kagome said guiltily, "They left!"

"Yes, they went back inside the house. Are you going to Hogwarts then?" Shippo asked, as they walked.

"Yes, although it's a little odd since I don't think I have that sort of magic. Just priestess powers. Nothing like what the Headmaster did with his stick-waving."

Shippo shook his head. "The powers you have are a type of ancient magic, Kagome. Although it's more primitive magic, it's still the same thing, except now people use a wand to channel it."

"Does this mean I won't be able to do the kind of magic they'll teach at Hogwarts?" Kagome asked worriedly.

Shippo smiled. "No, I'm sure you'll be just fine. But, are you going to Hogwarts just now?"

"Yes, I'm transferring in, and I am supposed to go to Britain for the summer to be tutored. It seems a little odd though; doesn't Japan have a magic school?"

"Yes, it does," Shippo said frowning, "Two, actually. The Academy of Miyushi, and-" he grinned broadly at her, "The Shikon Light Institute."

"There's a school named after the jewel?"

"Well, more so after you," he said chuckling, "They have a statue of you upfront."

"Me? Really?" Kagome said, quite surprised, "But… I haven't really done anything…"

"Are you kidding me, Kagome? Oh, you don't know, do you?" As Kagome shook her head, Shippo promised to tell her later.

"It really is a rather long story," he said, "And I'd like to tell it all at once without stopping."

"Well, let's go get this all this Hogwarts stuff straightened out with Dumbledore. I'd better go with you. I don't want to let you out on the English Wizarding World alone. " Kagome smiled at him, touched by how he had grown up from the little kit.

That is, until he added with a childish grin, "Who knows how much havoc you'll wreck?" He pushed her and then ran for the house.

With a good-natured, "Hey!" Kagome chased Shippo.

####

"My friend Shippo will be joining us. I hope you don't mind," said Kagome as she and Shippo sat, "And I'm sorry about my, uh, lost of composure back there."

"No worries, your mother was telling me about the shrine, most interesting." Dumbledore smiled, and then proceeded to talk about Hogwarts.

"Miss Higurashi, your demonstration of magic power leads me to believe that you will learn fast. As you are older than most witches and wizards when they start to learn magic, you will most likely find that you are quite able to grasp first and second year studies, as they are planned for eleven and twelve-year-olds in mind. Your magic is more developed, so subjects that are practical in magic, such as Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts will be easier to master quickly. Others, such as Herbology, History of Magic, and Potions will mostly rely on good old-fashioned studying. Your mother tells me you achieve high grades at your current school, so it shouldn't be a problem. If you are a diligent, disciplined worker you could go into a higher year when term starts. All of this depends on how much time and effort you want to put in over the summer."

"I will work very hard!" Kagome affirmed.

"Of that I have no doubt," he said, twinkling in his blue eyes. "Your magic in your demonstration was quite astounding."

Kagome blushed at this, and then quickly changed the subject with one of the questions she had been wondering about.

"How will I study all this, when I don't speak English well? I'll have to read and write, too," she said, worriedly.

"Ah, not to worry Miss Higurashi, there is a spell for that, one quite similar to the one I'm using at the moment. What will happen is that everything will be translated into Japanese in your mind. As time goes on, the spell slowly wears off, and you will actually be learning English at a rapid pace. Eventually, the spell will wear off entirely in about two months, and at that point, you will be able to read, write, and speak English quite fluently."

"That sounds wonderful! To be able to learn a language so quickly!" Kagome smiled.

"A very useful spell. I've never heard of one like it… Generally language-learning magic is done with complex potions…" Shippo mused.

"Yes, I devised this spell myself. Just a few modifications on the translation spell. There is a minor side effect - your ears will turn purple, as will all your fingernails. Very harmless, but for some unfathomable reason, many choose to use the time-consuming potions instead."

"Well, I see why I haven't heard of it." Shippo said with a smile.

"Yes indeed, although I find it little sacrifice in comparison to the knowledge that is gained, ah, Mister…? Forgive me, although you seem to know me, I do not recall you…"

"Ah, forgive my manners. You probably don't remember me. I am Shippo Isaka. We've met a couple times rather long ago." Dumbledore looked very surprised, and looked like he wanted to ask a couple questions, but Shippo changed the subject.

"Hear that Kagome? Purple ears?" Shippo said.

"I'll be fine, I mean, learning English in only two months!" Kagome replied.

"I'm glad to see that someone finally sees the value in my spell," Dumbledore said, beaming.

Dumbledore went on to tell them where Kagome would be staying for the summer—a friend's house, where a family and several kids around her age would also be staying. He would arrange for teachers to tutor her.

The tuition for Hogwarts was quite reasonable, and Kagome caught the look of relief on her mother's face. Most of the boarding schools in Japan had exorbitant prices, and she guessed that her mother had thought it would be around the same amount. Then the Headmaster went on to describe Hogwarts, and the Wizarding World.

"I am, perhaps, not the best person to describe our world to non-magical folk, as many things I would consider normal are most likely very odd in the Muggle world. However, there are some books that do a good job explaining our society." Dumbledore pulled two miniature books out of a small pouch he was carrying. Kagome and her mother watched in fascination as he said something and tapped the books with his wand, enlarging them.

"These are out of my personal collection, so please return them when you are done with them. I hope you find them informative," as he handed her An Introduction to the Magical Society: Essential for Muggleborns and Guide to the English Wizarding World.

"Thank you very much, I will return them in good condition," Kagome said, holding the two books.

"Headmaster, why is Kagome going to a magic school in Britain? The Academy of Miyushi and The Shikon Light Institute would both be ecstatic to have her in their schools. I do not think that Hogwarts usually takes students from Japan," said Shippo.

"Miss Higurashi's name appeared on the Hogwarts roster. Every student whose name appears on the roster is offered a chance to an education at Hogwarts," said Dumbledore.

Shippo's eyes narrowed at Dumbledore's sidestep of the question, but did not say anything further.

There's definitely more to that.

"The sooner you can arrive to Britain, the better. You will need to begin your studies quickly. When would you like to leave?"

Kagome looked to her mother, who shrugged and said, "Whenever you want."

"In two days would be great."

"Wonderful! Now, the International Floo to Britain is down at the moment and international side-apparition is out of question, but perhaps we can apply for a portkey. That would take at least a week normally, but perhaps I can…"

"It's alright," Shippo interrupted, "I have to go to London anyways, I can take the airplane with Kagome, if she's okay with that. We have a lot to catch up on, and I could take her to Diagon Alley for her school supplies."

"That'd be great!" she said enthusiastically.

"Perfect! I'll have someone meet you to take you to the house," Dumbledore said.

Shippo caught the tip of a wand twirling behind his back.

Kagome's mother agreed, and than caught a glimpse of the clock, realizing that she had promised to visit a friend that night. She apologized, told Kagome to listen carefully to everything the headmaster had to say, and left.

Then, the wizened old man sighed, and seemed even older, if possible. His gaze grew solemn, and he began to speak.

"Miss Higurashi, I must warn you that the Wizarding World, particularly Britian, is not the safest at the moment. A man who calls himself Voldemort has returned and there have been many deaths. I did not want to alarm your mother. Our world is in turmoil." Kagome looked with surprise at him.

It didn't go unnoticed to Dumbledore that Shippo did not flinch at the name or looked scared. Instead, he looked expectant.

"Why aren't you worried about alarming me?" she asked.

"You have a right to know. If you decide to go to Hogwarts, this is the world that you'll be entering. It should be your choice whether you decide to use your powers or not. Seventeen is when wizards and witches become adults legally. You are fifteen, correct?"

"Well, yes."

"Fifteen?" Shippo murmured under his breath so that no one else heard. The math didn't quite add up… Shippo's eyes suddenly widened, and he looked straight at Kagome, taking in her appearance. He had not noticed it earlier outside in the dark, and it had been several hundred years since he had last seen her, but there were slight differences… He looked at her questioningly, but she gave a little shake of her head.

Later, then, he decided, he would get some answers.

"So anyway, who's Voldemort?" she said cautiously.

"Voldemort is a man who uses very dark magic. It was thought that he was dead, but he has returned to the world. He and his group of followers, called Death Eaters have killed many. They seem bent on ruling the world. It may very well be that our world will be plunged into war soon."

"How safe is the house I'll be staying at? And the school?"

"Rest assured, Hogwarts is extremely safe, as is the house. Both have numerous protections placed upon them. However, these are very dark times, for both Muggles (non-magical folk) and witches and wizards. I will not sugarcoat what will happen. There is no guarantee that you will be safe even here, in Japan. If you decide to enter Hogwarts, however, you will be plunged into the very center of the conflict."

Kagome sat silent for a minute.

I'm not a stranger to war, like the one that Naraku wrought across the country… And you know that you can't live like a normal person, Kagome. Besides, this sort of magic sounds intriguing. I've only seen a translating spell, and imagine the possibilities of just that…

"I understand, and I'd like to go to Hogwarts anyway."

Albus Dumbledore beamed.

####

"Goodnight Kagome! I'll see you soon!" Shippo said, waving. Kagome waved back, and closed the door. The lights on the ground floor of the house switched off.

Then, without warning, Shippo casually said, "Nice Muggle Repelling Charm."

Unfazed, Dumbledore replied, "Thank you."

Abruptly, "You know, you should tell Kagome the entire truth."

Dumbledore stayed silent.

Whatever he's keeping from her, it's important.

"As you heard earlier, Kagome is older than she looks. She's also experienced much more than most adults will in their entire lives."

Then, "She will be safer if she does not know." As will he, Albus added silently.

"She would be safer as a Muggle. You are already throwing her into this war." Shippo continued as Dumbledore gazed at him.

"Kagome has a right to know exactly what she's getting into. She needs to know, whatever it is you're keeping from her, and she can handle it."

"They are just children." Dumbledore said quietly. Suddenly, Shippo sensed this conversation was no longer just about Kagome.

"Kagome is no longer a child – circumstances have forced her to grow up quickly. She has faced enemies just as terrible as Voldemort, and her life has been more complex than most people could imagine. Think of how she would feel, to know that something was kept something from her, after all she's been through." And how he would feel.

And quietly, "Do not push people around so they fit into your plans. Do not commit injustices to individuals in the name of the greater good, Albus."

It was a good five minutes before either one of them said a word.

Finally, he replied.

"You have given me much to consider."

Albus looked directly into the eyes of the young man.

For a moment, his green eyes looked so very old.

And simultaneously, both turned away and disappeared into the night.

####

The Muggle Repelling Charm is used in book four, so that Muggles think of something important they have to do whenever going near the World Cup pitch. Dumbledore used it on Kagome's mom.

Reviews greatly appreciated!